It’s time that we talk about New York.
New York City: former mecca of culture, arts, business and food. Most recently the epicenter of the Covid pandemic. And now, is decaying and rotting in the sun, just like the piles of garbage that are piling up on the street corners.
OK, maybe that’s a little melodramatic, but frankly…it’s not far off.
As you may recall, I stayed here in the city during the pandemic last year. I saw the freezer trucks outside the hospitals. I cheered for the nurses out my window during the “7pm Cheer.” I sanitized my delivered groceries, and even learned how to navigate the deserted city by bicycle.
But now…the city is not only unrecognizable, but in a freefall with an unknown bottom.
And I’m not even talking about “Daddy Cuomo” getting booted from office, or the fact that Mayor Deblasio De-barf-io is now in hot legal water for his vaccine passport, where unvaccinated individuals are not allowed to go to restaurants, gyms, theaters, etc.
I’m not even talking about that.
I’m talking about the crime. The homelessness. The falling-apartness of this once booming city.
Steven and I were taking a walk on Friday afternoon of this past week. It’s one of our favorite things to do: be outside, talk, people watch, enjoy the beautiful city, especially during the summer.
Well, as we were walking along, we came upon the ruins of the cutest little French bistro; LouLou. It has this truly one-of-a-kind outdoor patio seating area with black and white Parisian-stripped awnings, and then an explosion of fabulous flowers and twinkle lights. It’s like the scene from a movie – people love to take photos there, it is the spot for brunch or a girls’ lunch. And here is was, rubble from a fire.
Turns out that an arsonist lit it on fire. One of a string of arsons and garbage can burnings that have been happening in the city recently.
And speaking of garbage…it is everywhere. Strewn on the streets. Overflowing from trash cans. Rotting in the 90+ degree heat.
But that’s not the only issue: The city is seeing a surge of homelessness. During the height of the pandemic, Deblasio put up more than 8,000 homeless people into NYC hotels in an effort to stop the spread of Covid. And just last month in July, he kicked them all out.
Obviously, my heart goes out to these people who are struggling with homelessness. Each one of those 8,000 people is a human being. With a story. With value. With dignity. Homelessness is a heartbreaking situation, and there needs to be a solution to get people back on their feet and self-sufficient. It is a real issue here in the city.
But I was talking with a former NYPD police officer earlier this summer, and he was saying how catastrophic Deblasio’s decision was. And how, since the one billion dollar budget cut to the NYPD last year amid the anti-police movement last summer, and the lack of respect for the badge on a national and city level, cops are just walking away. Not only are cops retiring early, but their incoming class of trainees, is microscopic. People simply aren’t signing up to be police officers.
And the city is feeling it.
I’m literally stepping over people who are strung out on drugs, passed out on the sidewalk.
Nearly everything except for nail polish at CVS and Walgreens is now behind locked plexiglass shelves because theft has become such an issue.
Crime is soaring.
My Citizen Crime App — that shows the police and crime activity in the area around me — it’s pinging all day, every day. Before, what would have maybe gone off a couple times a week at night, is now going off constantly, 24 hours a day — even in broad daylight, middle of the afternoon, with the incidents becoming more and more violent.
Woman attacked at subway. Assault on street corner. Robbery at bus stop. Armed robbery at liquor store. Report of man with a knife. Shooting on Christopher Street. Kidnappings. Man stabbed.
It is not okay.
The combination of the lack of police presence, the fact that there is are so many store front vacancies – leading to deserted streets, and the stores and restaurants that are still open, now close at 10pm….which for the city that never used to sleep, that is wild. Couple that with incompetent leaders, and you’ve got a city that is on the precipice of demise.
Not even the return of Broadway this fall can save our flatlining city.
But even amid all this, I have hope. There’s more to New York than the city streets and the crumbling infrastructure.
And that is the people who are in it. The friends and loved ones who have weathered the storm with me. Quite literally.
I was with Steven and my best friend since birth on Saturday night, and we were hunkered in my apartment watching a movie as Hurricane Henri raged outside. And I realized that, this is New York – the people inside those four walls of a very small and overpriced apartment.
And that is why New Yorkers put up with all this literal garbage all around us.
But I want to know, what is it like in YOUR city or town, post-pandemic? Are things back to normal? Are you seeing a rise in crime rates, or an insanely difficult housing market? Are businesses having trouble filling hourly-wage positions? Is there a mask mandate, or vaccine passport?
To everyone out there, stay safe, stay healthy and stay well!
And I’ll see you on Wednesday!
ALSO – BIG NEWS! I am super excited to announce that in the coming weeks, BeautyBeyondBones will be getting a major facelift! A revamp! A zhuzh! We’re talking: brand new website, video posts, a new Patreon schedule, perhaps even personal one-on-one coaching! But I’m really excited to share that with you next month. So stay tuned friends!
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ORDERED MY BOOKS, BLOOM: A JOURNAL BY BEAUTYBEYONDBONES AND “MY BLOGGING TIPS“***Click to order your copy!
MAGIC TOOTHPASTE? Yes! I am in love with this superior whitening toothpaste. It keeps my smile sparkling, without sensitivity or bleach! I made a website where you can directly order this miracle product! So if you want to give it a try, you can go ahead and grab a tube for yourself. I promise, your smile will thank you!Get a tube!
Be sure to check out my affiliate, Audible. Listening to audiobooks while I cook is literally my new favorite thing. And just for you, they’re offering a Free 30-Day Trial Membership. And with this free membership, you’re going to get 2 free audiobooks! Literally. Free. It is the best deal ever. And if for some reason, you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within those 30 days and it’s zero money out of your pocket, plus, you get to keep the 2 audiobooks. Soooo…it’s pretty much a no brainer. Plus, it’s a free and easy way to support this blog! So thank you!!
STAY CONNECTED!
@beauty.beyond.bones – Instagram
For Podcast versions of my posts, please check out Patreon! It’s only $2 a month!! You make this blog possible 🙂
And really quickly, I’ve had several questions concerning my Amazon link (amazon.com/shop/beautybeyondbones) — You do not need to buy one of my specific highlighted products on my page, in order for it to “credit” my account. Any purchases that you search or make from anywhere on Amazon, after first visiting my Amazon page, will credit this blog and help support this blog ministry. I am truly so grateful and appreciative to those of you wanting to do so! So thank you! Again, it is an absolutely free, and easy way for you to help keep this blog going!
103 responses to “NYC: ON THE BRINK”
Sadly, this has been many of the major cities.
that’s such a sad truth. Thanks JB for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
You are very welcome.
xox 🙂
xox 🙂xox 🙂xox 🙂
Congratulations on your new website, Caralyn! I look forward to seeing it. People want the police out? De-fund the police? Why? So that they can have the anarchy that they so desperately seem to want? Honestly, I would have left the city last year.
thank you so much John! Yes! I am excited about it too! yeah, it has definitely been an internal debate about staying, but there are definitely some reason why I decided to stay, mainly a certain gentleman 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I understand. Perhaps your gentleman can come to Ohio with you some day. 😎☺️
ohhh, that would be a dream!!!! 🙂
Make it happen! 👍🏻
Yikes! I know the media talks about how bad New York is hurting right now, but this just drives the point home, unfortunately. Hope you and your loved ones continue to stay safe! As far as where I am in Findlay (Northwest Ohio), the city is pretty safe. No mask mandates or vaccine passports. Even though I want to move somewhere else eventually, maybe it’s a good thing I’m here right now. Far enough away from any huge city, for my own safety and sanity haha. Also, I apologize if this is too personal, but where are you originally from in Ohio? Just thought it was neat how you’re originally from here.
Take care! 🙂
yeah, it really is so sad to see how bad of a state NYC is in. it’s terrible. Findlay Ohio! I’m originally from Cincinnati! 🙂 and boy do I miss it! that’s great that Findlay is doing so well. Yay for Ohio! (proving yet again that Ohio is the best 🙂 hahah) glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
During the 80’s the tour guides would tell folks “do not go in the park at night”, but things turned around when the folks had enough and put a good Mayor in office. I sure hope things get cleaned up, miss going up there
Hi Alice! You’re right – the city has really turned around since the 80’s. Sadly, it is on the decline again. me too. thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
Wow, glad I visited for the first time 2 years ago. From Midtown to the Brooklyn Bridge we walked, took subways, roamed time square late at night, and more crazy adventures without fear. We even visited a speak easy closed to the Village late at night with out any fear. NYC needs much prayer. 🙏 Miami I can say is pretty much like normal except some masks worn. The police have not suffered defunding and keep the city relatively safe. They are respected here. But the whole state has kept the citizens as safe as possible regarding crimes and upheavals. Only the big cities have had higher COVID cases, but the smaller ones or the Gulf of Mexico not as much. Overall safety is a high priority here but in a balanced and common sense way. Bye for now!
Hi Giselle! yeah, two years ago it was in it’s prime! oh I miss those days! long walks, so safe, clean! it sounds like you had a great trip! you’re right – joining you in those prayers. Glad to hear Miami is doing well! I’m supposed to go in November! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
You are so right. What’s happened in NYC is unconscionable and not tolerated. As you say, what’s needed is a strong police presence. These thugs, thieves, rapists and homeless need to be swept from the streets and placed in camps, prisons, or ghettos where they can be controlled and kept away from all the good people to whom they are so offensive.
Let shops and restaurants open to serve those who deserve them. I know you agree because that’s what you wrote.
It is a shame that society won’t rise and keep these people in their place, or better yet, prevent them from breeding and perhaps even remove them. You would have loved Germany in 1935.
Steven, I don’t appreciate you putting words in my mouth. That is not what I said, and you know it.
Do you think about what you write and where what you say leads? I think what you said boils down to its dirty work that must be done and who does it and how doesn’t matter as long as it’s out of sight.
that’s not at all what i said, Steven, and is not how I feel. I usually never respond to you, Steven, but I’ve got to start sticking up for myself, darn it. You make all these terrible assumptions about me that are just ridiculous and false. And I don’t appreciate you taking joy in just slandering my character with false presumptions about what I believe and how I think and feel. Stop twisting my words. Stop painting me as a person I am certainly not. I will tolerate it no more.
I feel the same pains here in Portland. We are tracking to hit unwanted records in Shooting, Traffic & Fire related deaths here this year.
But the potential bright side I’m hoping comes is with our homeless crisis. We are the city with the third highest homeless population in the US – you there in NYC are #1, but we should not be on a population based list with you! – and none of our local governments can agree on the solution. I’m hoping that they all do their own thing, since they each have different priorities and they are all viable options. If they do, then I think the homeless win and the city and its residents reap the side effects of a cleaner urban environment with fewer homeless on our streets. 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽
Hi Galby, oh gosh, it breaks my heart to hear that Portland is experiencing a similar situation! Praying for our cities! thank you for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
My first thought on reading this is for my friend, Pastor Reggie, with Real Life Church in the Bronx. They minister to some of the poorer people in the area with a food bank and other services, and recently bounced back from having their equipment stolen. So you’ve prompted me to check in with him and see how they’re making out. We met when he was lead pastor at the Bowery Mission, and that meeting led to my own ministry in Vancouver at the time expanding in a true “God thing”. But that’s another story (and since I know you visit my blog, you’ve probably read it).
As for my home town, Victoria, BC, our politicians had no qualms about following public health officials’ instructions, so we’ve had a pretty good time of it; but quite a few businesses that closed because of the pandemic — especially those that rely on tourism — have not been able to recover, and that’s sad. But nothing like the way you describe in NYC. The impression I get is that NYC has incredible highs, followed by catastrophic lows.
Hi Drew – Thank you so much for sharing this. Wow – that gives me such great hope! I would love to get involved with that church up there. Yes definitely. I’m glad Victoria is doing well, hang in there! you’re right – highs and lows for sure! thank you for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Interesting. I don’t go to the city much now for these same reasons. Right across the river in Hudson County NJ, where I live, things seem great. Minimal crime, clean, calm, with an economy that seems to be booming. Maybe consider it! 🙂
I’m glad to hear that Hudson County are doing well! Steven is from NJ, and we definitely try to “hop the Hudson” as much as we can to visit his family! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
[…] Source link […]
I live in small town IN, but we’re about 60-70 miles from a large city. It’s very back to normal in my town. Well, as normal as possible. Our mask mandate ended in April. Kids returned this year to school without wearing masks. But we didn’t hit a high surge in our county. We had a surge in the winter but not near a city surge.
My husband is a police officer in a town that is mostly supportive of law enforcement. He would say that, as a whole over the last several years, theirs been a decline in respect from youth towards any authority. And parents of those youth enable it. Last year, he had a white person in the community harassing him on the job calling him a pig. My husband is a person of color. A white person harassing a person of color, because the person of color is a cop and the white person is mad about racial injustice. Oh the irony! Privileged much?!
I’m a mental health counselor, and I can attest to how concerning the mental health crisis is. It’s getting better, but I’ve never seen so many people in crisis and kids with crippling anxiety. So many are suicidal, and families are falling apart. And that’s even with the loosening restrictions where we live.
We have friends that pastor V1 Church in NYC, and he’s maintained the perspective that there’s more opportunity for grace and for ministry with all of these things hitting the city. I can imagine how hard it would be living in a city right now!
Keep being a light.
Hi Aneece, I’m glad to hear that IN is doing well! my brother and his family live in Indy and that definitely sounds like their situation as well, with things seeming normalish.
Gosh, I cannot believe that your husband had to go through that, i am so sorry that just makes me sick. First of all, thank you to him for protecting the community – being a law enforcement officer is such a sacrificial gift to the comminuty — and the family too, deserves a lot of thanks. And thank you for the insight on the mental health crisis. I wish that was known more widely. people are hurting. this world needs huge prayers right now. Hugs and love xox
Boise, Idaho and its surroundings can hardly compare with NYC both good and bad. We don’t have the issues you describe at all. Yes, we’ve had a major uptick in COVID hospitalizations since the Delta variant started making the rounds, but this year, no one I know has been sick.
Boise itself has a more liberal Mayor so she reinstalled the mask mandates but is leaving the small businesses open for now.
For the rest of the Treasure Valley, in general, there have been no efforts to reinstitute masks or lockdowns. The exception seems to be public schools but that differs school district by school district.
The church I take my 89 year old Mom to has been mask-optional since it opened up the Sunday before Easter. So far no issues there either. Although there’s been a tremendous push in the news media, both local and otherwise, for people here to become vaccinated, and, as I said, the news reports that hospitals seem to be filling up, in my day to day life, I really don’t notice the effect.
I work part time at home and part time in my brick and mortar office. Everything’s pretty normal so far.
Hi James, thank you for the update on Boise – I’m glad to hear that things are doing well, all things considered. hang in there friend! glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I’m sorry to hear this. We visited NYC, 13 years ago and it was wonderful.
thank you so much Marla – I’m so glad you were able to experience the NYC I know and love! I have hope it will get back there! glad you stopped by!Hugs and love xox
Thanks for your kind and insightful depiction of NYC these days. Even though things seem dark I know the people are resilient and they love their city. Prayers for wise leadership and safety for all! 💕
thank you Angela for your kind words! You’re right – NYers are resiliant, that is for dang sure! praying with you! Hugs and love xox
A beautiful post thank you so much
thank you friend. Hugs and love xox
We all share your sadness. The big cities of the US are all experiencing massive challenges now and we need to pray for leaderships in those cities as they grapple with massive problems.
Thank you Ian for your kind words of support. you’re right – massive challenges all the way around, from cities to homes, to schools and beyond. praying with you. Hugs and love xox
I live in NYC too but a different part of it (southern Queens). But I work in East Midtown.
For me, it’s surreal seeing the number of “for rent” signs in doors due to businesses that shuttered in Manhattan during the pandemic. Some of it can probably be attributed to a failure in getting these places adequate aid, but some of it is probably also due to the fact that so much of the business these places got just flat-out disappeared.
All that being said, I maintain hope in NYC because we’ve been through things as bad as this or worse. We’ve been through extreme political corruption (Tammany Hall), a financial crisis that nearly bankrupted the city (in the middle 1970s), crime many times worse than what we have now (something that peaked in the early 90s I believe), and a superstorm (Sandy in 2012). I think this city is resilient Caralyn, and I maintain hope because of our city’s collective resiliency.
Hi Brendan, thank you for sharing your NYC experience too! I am right there with ya — isn’t it just WILD the number of vacancies?! it is heart breaking, especially seeing beloved restaurants or small businesses have to close their doors. it makes me sad. the dollar slice pizza joints though…those are pandemic-proof. They are still pumpin’ out pies! haha I agree – nYC will bounce back, i’m holding onto that hope too! true! thanks against for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, I’m so sad to hear about what is happening in NYC.
I live in a small town in central California, and we are for the most part doing ok. We have a huge homeless problem, but have had that for a while. A couple weeks ago the healthcare workers protested after the State Vax Mandate and the VERY NEXT DAY a major healthcare company rolled out a religious exemption. A nurse friend told me about it after she had fasted and prayed and handed in a religious exemption fully expecting to lose her job. She did not!
My friends and I started a weekly gathering (we call it the Fire-Pit) in January 2021 to help each other through all the things that are concerning us and it has kept us sane. In the winter we nearly froze outside huddling over our fire-pit. Thanks to California’s mild winters it was doable. We are a variety of vaxxed, covid recovered and anti-vax. We all love each other anyway. When everyone felt comfortable we moved inside, and now we begin with a hymn or two and just talk, someone inevitably sharing a scripture passage. I am convinced God is building his church and we are going to be very essential for the mental and spiritual and perhaps even physical health of our neighbors.
I’m so glad to get your updates. Check out EricMetaxas.com He’s doing great stuff in NYC for the kingdom of heaven and the country. You are not alone! I’d love to hear of any other ministries or initiatives that are alive and busy there.
Love your joyful smile.
Amy
Hi Amy, thank you so much for sharing this. I’m glad to hear that your town is doing well. And gosh, that Fire-Pit sounds like an amazing and life-giving consistency this past year! i want to come!! And i love that- like you say: we all love each other anyway. I wish everyone felt that way!! glad you stopped by. I will certainly check Eric out! Hugs and love xox
Wow things sound crazy in New York. Since you asked about our neighborhood- the answer is with housing values going through the roof lots of our neighbors sold and moved to larger newer homes. Our new neighbors we are slowly getting to know but building community takes time. Crime- homelessness- unrest? Nope. Just a plain jane very quiet area. I walk every day through the streets and see just a couple of folks walking dogs. On the excitement scale we are a minus 5. So that’s your Florida report. Can’t wait to see the new web site. Blessings
Hi Pete, thank you so much for sharing this. I’m glad to hear Florida is doing well. yeah, the housing market in NJ is wild too – homes getting 50K over the asking price, forgoing final inspections, houses are flying like hotcakes! haha a minus-5, I’ll take it!! i do love Florida!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
So sad for such a thriving city. Bad management kills. I am so sorry your heart feels so heavy.
I am in Florida so we have an amazing governor and sherrif. Crime is way down, freedom is way up, no masks because the science does not back up the necrssity, vaccines are your choice because most have had it so we have the antibodies better than any vaccine can give, we love and respect the police, we have been meeting at church all this time, the only problem is that so many are moving here the roads are pretty congested now. I don’t blame them for coming as opposed to a place that takes your freedoms from you. That is awful and very unAmerican. It saddens us down here that our fellow Americans are being treated this way. It is awful. Our prayers are with you and so many other cities we are hearing about. Love you as always, my beautiful friend. Hang in there! Hugs!XO😃❤
Hi Tonya, thank you so much for your kind words. Yeah – bad management indeed. Oh, Florida has been such a bright spot throughout all of this, and yet has just been slandered by the media, makes me sad. I’m glad to hear that things are going well! You’re right – I’ve dreamed about moving to Florida as well! for all those reasons you listed! Thank you for the prayers! I means a lot 🙂 Love you friend! Enjoy the sunshine! hugs xox
Oh, New York!
oh, New York indeed. I have hope we will be able to come back — eventually. Thanks for stopping by, Diana! Hugs and love xox
Yes, hold on to hope. I’ll love to see NY return to her form. Take care, my friend. 💙
You too! 💛💛💛💛
Merci! 💙💙
Most of California is the same way…
Hey Greg! Yeah, Cali is definitely in the same boat. I’m going there next week, and I hear it’s more of the same, plus terrible air quality from the fires! Praying for our West Coast friends! Hugs and love xox
Where in California will you be, and why? Just curious.
It really is sad and disturbing that they let this happen to our city. It’s very disheartening. I can’t stand Mayor DeBlahsio. I knew Cuomo was a fraud and a complete narcissist. Even worse than that. It’s unimaginable that you have garbage piling up and late pickups due to shortages in sanitation. The dramatic increase in crime have made the city unsafe along with the strung out druggies. The subway isn’t safe. What is? It might not be as bad here in Staten Island. But crime has increased too. I can only hope changes to the leadership will help improve things. I said goodbye to my best friend last week. He moved his family to North Carolina. I wrote a tribute to him that he loved. I’ll visit next year. Congrats Caralyn on your new site!
Hi Derek, thank you so much for your kind words. I can’t stand him either!! you’re right – joining you in hope that the leadership can take a MAJOR turn for the better. Oh, i’m sorry that your friend moved. At least now you have an excuse to visit beautiful North Caroline! 🙂 thank you for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
So very sad!
It really is! Thanks for stopping by! Wish i was in Ohio! Hugs and love xox
Would it be too callous to say that we reap what we sow? A choice between Christ, or chaos? I love your point about the homeless, how behind the statistics is a story. I am looking forward to your revamped site. 🙂
You’re right about that — not callous at all! Sadly, mainstream culture — NYC especially — made that choice a long time ago. Thanks for your kind words. Hugs and love xox
Wow! That almost looks like a scene from the movie “Escape from New York”. Have you seen that? Wild. I have a friend opening on Broadway in the Music Man, in December, I think. I hope it doesn’t get worse and ruin or set it back again. It’s been moved up twice already.
It really does, Jo! It looks like it, and feels like it too! Oh my gosh, that’s so exciting! Congrats to your friend! Many many years ago, I played Amaryllis in Music Man. I love that show! Praying! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Btw, I can see you as Amaryllis. lol
I’m in a town of 100K a couple hours north of DFW.
Things are back to normal for the most part but…
Restaurants can’t find enough staff so are closing early or changing hours. Events have been canceled because of staffing shortages. Many small businesses didn’t survive the lockdown.
Yes, crime is up, but most folks don’t notice if it’s not in their backyard. Drugs, theft, vandalism.
There are some encouraging stories of businesses that made it, new businesses opening, factories hiring.
But for some manufacturers it’s still hard. Supply chain issues. Staffing issues. Unreliable delivery chains.
I’m afraid it’s going to take years to recover fully.
Hi Kathleen, thank you so much for sharing that. I’m glad to hear that your town is back to normal for the most part. Gosh, that’s so sad though about staffing struggles. We’re feeling that too – especially in NYC/NJ — the unemployment is around $1000 per WEEK. it’s hard for small businesses and restaurants to compete with that. i’m afraid you’re right. praying for our country! glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I live in a coastal town of 50,000 in the south of France. However, I dare say there are similar issues in some of France’s major towns, such as say Marseille.
Hi Sheree! Oh wow – France!! That’s amazing. I’m sorry to hear that you all are having similar issues. Praying for our world! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thank you 🙏
NYC was once called the greatest city on the world. Literally anything could happen there. Its the city where dreams were made of; well according Alicia Keys.
It’s hard to believe that the place that was called the Big Apple is such a disaster right now. It sort of shows what happens when you cave to internet culture and the modern Democrat party rule.
Look at all the major cities in the US with such woeful statistics and you will see that a majority of them are run by Democrats. The really worse ones. Yet, I wonder why do people still vote for these losers?
If anyone wants to complain about the current state of the US right now, I say, you voted for this nonsense.. you should have voted for Trump.
Frankly, what can a nation do when a president comes on the platform and says that “We need to hold the President Accountable”; in reference to the troubles in Afghanistan right now.
I think that Afghanistan was a planned disaster; in order to draw the attention of the nation away from the lunacy that is being conducted back in the US right now. Notice how the attention was soon shifted away from vaccine passports to Afghanistan. This is so that they can implement their policies without being questioned or outvoted by the people. They will literally invent a disaster to get attention away from themselves.
I just feel sad for the citizens of the US who didn’t want this.. and for the people of Afghanistan; who are being used as diversions.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. You’re so right – it is absolutely heartbreaking to see how NYC has fallen so drastically. And you’re right – we need leadership overhaul to say the least! Wow, that’s a very interesting thought about Afghanistan. That’s another heartbreaking situation. so glad you stopped by! me too. Hugs and love xox
In the Pittsburgh area things seem to be back – but only sorta back. Not all the restaurants are back open. Masks or no masks are being argued. I do not have a crime App, so I would not know about upticks in crime, but the “rough” crowd seems to rage without control in our little community. But where I worked seven years ago is where my wife has dialysis and today is the first time I saw people speeding through the industrial park – as if 90 in a 25 and ignoring traffic lights makes up for being 15 minutes late for work. That is back to normal, but the industrial park is a ghost town other than the few.
Thanks for sharing that! I’m glad to hear that Pittsburgh is back to normal-ish. Gosh, know that I’m praying for your wife. That scene outside sounds really scary! Hugs and love xox
And I have you in my prayers too.
thank you friend. 🙂
It’s so sad to hear about the state of things in NYC, but you’re right… good people make all the difference, no matter where we are.
Things in Phoenix are, in some ways, very much back to normal: things are open, crime is the same, there is no mask mandate or vaccine passport, and eager teens are filling low-wage jobs.
What has changed is the housing market: we’ve had now-remote workers and Silicon Valley startups fleeing to the warm weather and Phoenix has had the highest rent increases in the country (avg. +17% over last year); my rickety old condo has more than doubled in value in 18 months and $2.5 mil homes and FENDI-branded condos are being built next door. Many are being priced out of home ownership and rental markets, and being forced to move to the remote suburbs or leave the state all together. I’m fortunate to own, but my heart hurts for those who are in a tight spot with housing.
Thank you friend. You’re right – it is so so sad. I’m glad to hear that Phoenix is back to normalish. Interesting about the housing market!!! wow!!! yeah in NJ, houses are flying off the market at 50-100K OVER the asking price. Gosh, that makes me sad too, to hear people are being forced to move and are in tight spots. Big prayers for them. Glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox
The mask mandate his been re-established here in Memphis. Restaurants often have only one waiter/waitress and the wait is 45 to 60 minutes. Signs outside advertise $15/hr and a $400 signing bonus and still no help. The only restaurants operating normally – and even thriving – are a couple family-owned places we frequent. There are more, I’m sure, but we know of those two. Stay safe!!!
Hey Jeff! Oh gosh – yeah that sounds very familiar. My heart goes out to all the restaurants and small businesses. It’s hard to compete when unemployment, at least in NYC/NJ is $1000 per WEEK. it makes me so sad. That’s good that you’re frequenting those family owned places. They are really busting their butts to make ends meet and stay afloat. It’s just heartbreaking — their livlihood, family business – often have been in the family for generations, now struggling to survive. *sigh* big prayers for them. Glad you stopped by, Jeff! i hope you and your girls are well! hugs xox
Reading how things are in NYC only make me feel more blessed to live in north Texas. I don’t know what else to say…
You’re right – Texas is definitely the place to be right now. Thanks Rollie – God bless Texas! 🙂 And big prayers for the world! Hugs and love xox
Thought-provoking, powerful piece. God bless NYC!
thank you so much! yes! big prayers for this city and beyond! glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
So sad to see what is happening to NYC because of the messed up policies of the Mayor. Where I live, things are back to normal. We are a mid sized city of 300,000 that has never lost that neighbor helping neighbor feeling
Thank you friend for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – it really is so sad. I’m praying that a MAJOR overhaul will be made in our leadership. Goodness knows we need it. I’m glad to know that good towns like your still exist!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I’m lucky – in my much smaller town, things fared better. Though we too have a homelessness problem, mostly from successive governments offloading the problem of taking care of the sick and fragile to no one 🙄 We don’t have a mask mandate anymore, but I’m still wearing mine – I have a compromised immune system, mom has lung cancer, and dad has COPD (neither smoke!). The interesting thing about the mask to me is that in place like Japan, wearing one when you’re sick to protect others is just good manners: that behaviour has existed forever. I hope things get better in NYC: like you said, if any people can, it’s New Yorkers. Blessings.
Hi Em – I’m glad to hear that things are good where you live! That’s really smart – I will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers! Yeah, Japan is definitely a respectful country – NYC especially could learn a lot! 🙂 I agree – I have hope that we will one day get back to the city we once were. Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Hi, Caralyn. Lexington, Kentucky is one of those middle-size cities that all those people fleeing the BIG ones are moving TO. If you and Steven want to relocate to a pleasant place with low crime, healthy support for law enforcement (without justification for police misbehavior), safe streets and a very small drug presence, I have a real estate friend who would be happy to find you each an apartment at half of what you pay in The City. 😉
Excellent health care, highest standard of living in Kentucky and great fellowships from Christian and Missionary Alliance to Baptist to Roman Catholic churches. You are always welcome to visit our “Rivendell” where we house missionaries passing through, masked or unmasked. We’ll accommodate. 😊
Hi friend! Oh how I miss Kentucky. As a Cincinnatian, northern Kentucky was considered just as much home as Cincy! Oh my gosh – I WISH!! If I could, I’d relocate in a heartbeat! Glad to hear that KY is doing well! Gosh, you could be on their board of tourism! haha you sell it well! 🙂 hahah but seriously – every word you speak is true. Ohio and KY are truly the greatest places on earth, in my opinion: the people, the values, the cost of living, the nature — it is God’s country! Hugs and love xox
Thank you so much for sharing this. It is helpful to get a true account of what is happening.
I think what is happening in NYC is also happening to a lesser degree most everywhere else.
I live outside of a mid-size city myself and am aware of the rise of crime, homelessness…
My parents live in a little town in another state where there is also the rapid increase of all the same.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – everywhere is hurting. Big prayers for this great nation – and world! Hugs and love xox
[…] NYC: ON THE BRINK […]
thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
I’m on the other side of the world and we have our own problems – but homelessness, contempt for politicians & police is common. Our Labour government has continued to house a lot of the homeless since the first Covid outbreak here in NZ; it’s something I am grateful for as the housing stock had been run down by the 9 years of National in power (they’re a centre/right party). We’ve seen the minimum hourly rate come nearly in line with a living wage; but on the other hand we export nearly all the produce so food in NZ is a high cost item, as is rent & mortgages. In fact, most of our younger (30 or less) think they won’t own their own home, something I take for granted. At least tho the unemployment rate is very low; the government has systems to cover costs if we go into lockdowns (as we are currently) and very clear communications.
Take care! And I guess one highlight of a mask mandate – I don’t have to worry about wearing lipstick anymore!
Hi Paula, thank you so much for sharing what’s going on NZ! Wow, that’s so interesting about food in NZ! I had no idea – wow. Yeah, and that’s true about the lipstick! I’ve definitely spent a lot less on makeup this past year! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by! praying for our nations! Hugs and love xox
I traveled for business alot to NY, it was not my favorite place. People rude, streets busy & trashy, I did like Christmas lights… but that was it. Everything was expensive… just not my thing!!!
I am sorry to hear about crime. That sounds so dangerous…
I am sorry to hear about NYC in general…
(I spent 5 years completing a Commerce (economics) and Information Systems double degree, so it is all infuriating to hear…)
…
Melbourne has been shutdown for 200+ days, including currently.
😬🤯
I think lower crime, no garbage around.
We have expensive housing, also!
Many smaller businesses have been ordered to stop trading.
…
That’s exciting – a BBB increase in coming weeks. I am so glad to hear!
🙏🏼
That’s great…
😀
Thankfully, I’m in Detroit. That’s something you don’t hear often, but it’s true. Our city burned during the 1967 Riots and has only recently shown signs of a full recovery. Then, the George Floyd incident occurred. What happened to Detroit? Virtually nothing. There were protests, but our mayor, police chief, and city council banded together to say as one: “Not Again!”
That said, there is still a feeling of unease due to Covid and race relations. Hopefully, the city will come together as we did in 1968 when our Tigers won the World Series. Fingers-crossed!
Your description of New York today breaks my heart! But, in spite of it all, you can say, “… even amid all this, I have hope. There’s more to New York than the city streets and the crumbling infrastructure.” I love your positive spirit. If more people had that kind of hope and the drive to see the “more” become the reality, soon the mess would be cleaned up. Keep the hope, Caralyn. God bless you! I look forward to seeing what you do to revamp your website and make it even more inviting. You asked about the condition of our town post-pandemic. Is it “post”?? With the Delta variant surging in places, can we assume this is on the downhill swing? I’m not sure. Like many places in the USA, there are “Help Wanted” signs everywhere … “We’re Hiring” signs go unnoticed it seems … Our church is requesting masks indoors, but not mandating, so we have a whole section of folks who do not cover their mouth/nose. I don’t blame them The inconsistency of the request does not go unnoticed, because we go out to fellowship afterward and sit in even closer proximity and take off the masks to eat and drink. My little town of 1,000 people is deeply divided in many ways – a microcosm of the larger USA. We are all in transition, The “old normal” is gone, and a “new normal” has not yet been established. I hope when it is, it will be a kinder, more compassionate, more earth-friendly norm. We HAVE to have learned SOMEthing from this disastrous pandemic!
Hi Caralyn. So sorry to hear this about New York and yes this is what happens with bad leaders. May God watch over you. I am in a small city 40 minutes south of Atlanta. It is a beautiful and safe place with no mandates except for those who work for corporations. But not for the public. Some choose to wear them and get vaccinated and some don’t. Life is bustling, church, stores, concerts. There are help wanted signs everywhere and I hope people go back to work soon. Blessings!
New York City is turning into another Detroit. The same “liberal” policies that they implemented in Detroit have been implemented in NYC, only this time they did it under the guise of a pandemic. It may take NYC more time to recover than other places, because of the ‘plan’demic measures that have been implemented there. But whose fault is it? Who voted the current mayor into office? Did he get there by fraud?
Great post, Caralyn. Homelessness is definitely on the rise across the country. In Dallas, we are seeing a more rapid growth in our homeless population than anywhere in the country, including NYC and LA. The problem with finding a solution is challenging because homelessness is not a one-size fits all problem with a one-size solution. Yes, affordable housing is definitely a factor. Essentially, poverty + major crisis without a community (family, friends, etc.) perpetuates homelessness. Where do you go when you have nowhere to go? The economic hardships created by our response to COVID, unfortunately, will likely cost more lives than the actual virus itself, IMHO.
Have you tried to help the homeless in your city? Or do you just complain about them? If it gets bad enough, you’ll move out. Others will be left to rot.